Floor cleaning apparatus with cleaning attachment release mechanism

ABSTRACT

A floor cleaning apparatus includes a housing. A dirt collection vessel and a suction generator are both carried on the housing. A cleaning tool receiver is connected to the housing. The cleaning tool receiver includes a spring loaded detent. In addition, the apparatus includes a cleaning tool releasably connected to the cleaning tool receiver. The cleaning tool includes a body having a latching aperture receiving the spring loaded detent when the cleaning tool is connected to the receiver. The cleaning tool also includes a release actuator in the form of a sliding lever. When manipulated, the release actuator engages the spring loaded detent and removes the spring loaded detent from the latching aperture so as to release the cleaning tool from the cleaning tool receiver.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the floor care equipment field and, more particularly, to a floor cleaning apparatus incorporating a cleaning attachment release mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known in the art to provide canister and upright vacuum cleaners equipped with wand assemblies for specialty cleaning applications. Similarly, it is well known in the art to provide various cleaning attachments that may be connected to the end of a wand assembly or control handle of the wand and that are particularly useful for various applications such as crevice cleaning, upholstery cleaning, drapery cleaning and stairway cleaning.

In order to provide for proper operation and operating convenience, the attachments must firmly seat on the end of the wand during use yet be freely removable by the operator when desired. Toward this end it is known to provide a spring loaded locking detent on the wand assembly that is received in a cooperating aperture on the cleaning attachment to secure the attachment to the end of the wand. Further, it is known to provide an actuator on the cleaning attachment that may be pivoted or depressed to force the detent from the cooperating aperture and allow removal of the cleaning attachment.

While such a structure functions well for its intended purpose, it suffers from a number of drawbacks. Specifically, the actuator typically includes a pin that engages the detent to force the detent from the locking aperture of the cleaning attachment. The longitudinal axis of the pin lies in alignment with the detent so that the actuator projects a substantial distance radially outwardly from the cleaning attachment and the wand to which the cleaning attachment is secured. During some cleaning applications, the projecting actuator may be caught on an object thereby interfering with the cleaning task or even inadvertently releasing the cleaning attachment. It should also be appreciated that the projecting actuator is not particularly aesthetically appealing.

The present invention addresses these shortcomings by providing a cleaning attachment or tool with a release actuator that extends in a direction perpendicular to the spring loaded detent and the wand assembly to which the cleaning attachment is secured. This reduces the extend of any projection of the actuator in the direction perpendicular to the wand and thereby provides a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, a floor cleaning apparatus is provided. The floor cleaning apparatus comprises a housing, a dirt collection vessel carried on the housing and a suction generator carried on the housing. A cleaning tool receiver is connected to the housing. The cleaning tool receiver includes a spring loaded detent. A cleaning tool is releasably connected to the cleaning tool receiver. The cleaning tool includes a body having (a) a latching aperture receiving the spring loaded detent when the cleaning tool is connected to the receiver and (b) a sliding lever release actuator. When manipulated, the release actuator engages the spring loaded detent and removes the spring loaded detent from the aperture so as to release the cleaning tool from the cleaning tool receiver.

More specifically describing the invention the release actuator is a spring loaded sliding lever. The sliding lever release actuator includes a lug having a cam surface that engages the spring loaded detent. The sliding lever release actuator is received in a cavity in the body of the cleaning tool. The body also defines an air flow pathway and the cavity, the spring for loading the sliding lever and the sliding lever all extend parallel to that air flow pathway. Accordingly, while the spring-loaded detent is biased and moves in a first plane, the sliding lever release actuator moves in a second plane wherein the second plane is substantially perpendicular to the first plane.

In the following description there is shown and described several different embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of some of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain certain principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a canister vacuum cleaner including a cleaning attachment incorporating the novel release mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 1 a is a schematical block diagram of the vacuum cleaner illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a detailed side elevational view of the cleaning attachment;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing the cleaning tool attached to the end of the control handle with a spring loaded detent of the control handle received in a latching aperture on the cleaning tool in order to secure the cleaning tool in position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but illustrating operation of the release actuator which removes the detent from the latching aperture in order to allow removal of the cleaning attachment from the end of the wand assembly;

FIG. 4 a is a detailed view of the release actuator positioned in a cavity or channel of the cleaning tool as it is being moved into position to force the spring loaded detent from the latching aperture in order to release the cleaning tool; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating disconnection of the cleaning tool from the control handle.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 1 a illustrating a floor cleaning apparatus in the form of a canister vacuum cleaner 10. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner 10 includes a canister assembly 12 comprising a housing 14 supported on ground engaging wheels 16 (only one illustrated) so as to be freely movable across the floor. The vacuum cleaner 10 also includes a nozzle assembly 18 including a housing 20 supported on wheels 22 (only one shown in the drawing figure) so as to also be freely movable across the floor. A hose and wand assembly 24 connects the canister assembly 12 with the nozzle assembly 18. The hose and wand assembly 24 includes a flexible hose 26, a control handle 28 including actuator switches 30 for controlling operation of the vacuum cleaner and a telescoping wand 32 including first and second telescoping sections 34, 36. More specifically, the flexible hose 26 includes a first cuff 38 that is connected to the hose coupler 40 of the canister assembly 12 and a second cuff 42 that is connected to the control handle 28. The telescoping wand assembly 32 includes a first coupler 33 (see FIG. 3) on the end of the wand section 34 that is connected to the control handle 28. In addition, the wand assembly 32 includes a second coupler 44 on the end of the wand section 36 that is connected to the wand assembly connector 46 carried on the nozzle assembly 18. A release lever 48 carried on the nozzle assembly 18 allows the coupler 44 to be disconnected from the connector 46 when desired in a manner known in the art.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 a, the housing 14 of the canister assembly 12 includes a first compartment 50 for holding a dirt collection vessel 52 and a second compartment 54 for holding a suction generator 56. The dirt collection vessel 52 may comprise a replaceable filter bag or a dirt cup. The dirt cup may or may not include a tangentially directed inlet and an axially directed outlet so as to provide cyclonic air flow for enhanced cleaning efficiency.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1 a, the housing 20 of the nozzle assembly 18 includes an agitator cavity 58 for receiving and holding a rotary agitator 60 that is driven by a suction motor 62. A suction inlet 64 connects the agitator cavity 58 with the combined hose and wand assembly 24 which in turn is connected to the canister assembly 12. During standard operation, the rotary agitator 60 beats dirt and debris from the nap of an underlying carpet being cleaned. Simultaneously, the suction generator 56 draws air through the agitator cavity 58 into the suction inlet 64. Air entrained with dirt and debris is then drawn from the suction inlet 64 through the telescoping wand 32, control handle 28 and flexible hose 26 of the combined hose and wand assembly 24 into the canister assembly 12. Specifically, the air stream is delivered into the dirt collection vessel 52 where dirt and debris are trapped. The relatively clean air stream is then drawn into the suction generator compartment 54 where it passes over the motor of the suction generator 56 to provide cooling before being exhausted through a final filter 66 and an exhaust port 68 by which it is returned to the environment.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, a cleaning tool attachment 100 is secured to the control handle 28 over the end of the control handle that receives the telescoping wand 32. More specifically, the first coupler 33 on the end of the wand section 34 extends through the cleaning tool 100 and engages the control handle 28 in a manner known in the art. The control handle 28 and cleaning tool 100 may be released from the wand assembly 32 by pushing the release switch 105 carried on the control handle. This allows the operator to complete a specialty cleaning task using the cleaning tool 100. Reference is now made to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 a and 5 illustrating in detail the cleaning tool 100 and how the cleaning tool is attached to the wand receiving end of the control handle 28. As illustrated, the cleaning tool 100 includes a main body 102 that receives a cleaning attachment such as a brush 101. A sleeve cover 103 is received in the main body 102. The cover 103 may be retracted to expose the brush attachment 101 or extended to cover the brush attachment as desired.

As further illustrated, the main body includes a latching aperture 104. In addition, the body defines an airflow pathway 106. The latching aperture 105 extends through the body 102 and communicates with the airflow pathway 106.

A release actuator, generally designated by reference numeral 108, is carried on the body 102. The release actuator 108 comprises a sliding lever 110 received in a cavity 112 formed in the body 102 that extends along and parallel to the air flow pathway 106. The sliding lever 110 includes a lug 113 having a cam surface 114. A compression spring 116 is secured to the end wall 118 of the cavity 112 so that the free end of the spring engages the end of the sliding lever 110. Thus, the spring 116 also extends parallel to the air flow pathway 106 while biasing the lever 110 to a first or home position.

The cleaning tool 100 is secured to the distal end or cleaning tool receiver 29 of the control handle 28 by sliding the body 102 thereof over the distal end and aligning the latching aperture 104 with a spring loaded detent 120 provided on the handle 28. When the cleaning tool 100 is properly seated on the end 29, the detent 120 is biased by the spring 122 into the latching aperture 104 thereby positively securing the cleaning tool 100 onto the control handle 28. Accordingly, the cleaning tool 100 is positively secured and remains in position on the control handle 28 as the control handle 28 is manipulated to complete the specialty cleaning operation.

If it is desired to remove the cleaning tool 100 from the control handle 28, the operator engages the release actuator 108. More specifically, the operator pushes the sliding lever 110 against the force of the biasing spring 116 so that the cam surface 114 on the lug 113 engages the end of the detent 120. As the sliding lever 110 is moved in the direction of action arrow A parallel to the air flow pathway 106 (see FIGS. 4 and 4 a), the cam surface 114 forces the detent 120 out of the latching aperture 104 thereby freeing the cleaning tool 100 for removal from the distal end 29 of the control handle 28. After removing the cleaning tool 100 from the control handle 28 (see FIG. 5), the sliding lever 110 is released. This results in the spring 116 biasing the sliding lever back to the first or home position thereby opening the latching aperture 104 for receipt of the detent 120 the next time it is desired to seat a cleaning tool 100 on the control handle 28.

As should be appreciated, the spring loaded detent 120 of the control handle 28 is biased and moves in a first plane while the release actuator 108/sliding lever 110 moves in a second plane wherein the second plane is substantially perpendicular to the first plane. This spacial orientation of structures minimizes the extent that the release actuator 108 projects outwardly on the cleaning tool 100 thereby providing a streamlined and more aesthetically pleasing shape.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the cleaning tool 100 may also be used with an upright vacuum cleaner instead of a canister vacuum cleaner. Further, for many vacuum cleaner models, the cleaning tool 100 may also be attached to the end of the telescoping wand 32 if desired. The embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. The drawings and preferred embodiments do not and are not intended to limit the ordinary meaning of the claims in their fair and broad interpretation in any way. 

What is claimed:
 1. A floor cleaning apparatus, comprising: a housing; a dirt collection vessel carried on said housing; a suction generator carried on said housing; a cleaning tool receiver connected to said housing, said cleaning tool receiver including a spring-loaded detent; a cleaning tool releasably connected to said cleaning tool receiver, said cleaning tool including a body having (a) a latching aperture receiving said spring-loaded detent when said cleaning tool is connected to said receiver and (b) a sliding lever release actuator that, when manipulated, engages said spring-loaded detent and removes said spring-loaded detent from said latching aperture so as to release said cleaning tool from said cleaning tool receiver.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cleaning tool receiver is a cleaning wand.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cleaning tool receiver is a cleaning wand handle.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cleaning tool receiver is alternately a cleaning wand and a cleaning wand handle.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sliding lever release actuator is spring-loaded.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said sliding lever release actuator includes a lug that engages said spring-loaded detent.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said lug includes a cam surface.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said sliding lever release actuator is received in a cavity in said body.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said lug and cam surface extend into said latching aperture beside said spring-loaded detent.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said floor cleaning apparatus is a canister vacuum cleaner.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said cleaning tool includes a brush.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said cleaning tool has an elongated nose.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said body defines an air flow pathway and said cavity and said sliding lever release actuator extend parallel to said airflow pathway.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a spring extending parallel to said airflow pathway biases said spring-loaded sliding lever.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spring-loaded detent is biased and moves in a first plane and said release actuator moves in a second plane wherein said second plane is substantially perpendicular to said first plane.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said body defines an air flow pathway and said sliding lever release actuator moves along a path parallel to said airflow pathway. 